I'd keep the honk - after all it only points out the location of objects in the current system.
The next step would be to scan each stellar body - this should only provide general information regarding location, size, general composition and mass.
The next step would be more involved, requiring mapping the surface of each stellar body. As this could potentially be a time consuming exercise, it would be nice to be able to leave a satellite to do this while you leave to scan and set up satellites on other bodies.
Lastly, the mapping process might identify geological (or anomalous) features worth further investigation, and require a surface geological survey.
This could be actioned either by using the SRV (hopefully a geological survey model capable of taking core samples) or maybe by sending a down a probe.
Once atmospheric planets with ecosystems are introduced, we could also perform ecological surveys, and take samples of various life forms, from micro-organisms to flora and fauna.
If each tier of the above exploration hierarchy has a reward, you can then let explorers doing as much or as little as they are comfortable with.
Frontier could then introduce a dynamic mission generator to "plug the gaps" - i.e. Universal Cartographics can generate survey missions for other commanders to fulfil.
The next step would be to scan each stellar body - this should only provide general information regarding location, size, general composition and mass.
The next step would be more involved, requiring mapping the surface of each stellar body. As this could potentially be a time consuming exercise, it would be nice to be able to leave a satellite to do this while you leave to scan and set up satellites on other bodies.
Lastly, the mapping process might identify geological (or anomalous) features worth further investigation, and require a surface geological survey.
This could be actioned either by using the SRV (hopefully a geological survey model capable of taking core samples) or maybe by sending a down a probe.
Once atmospheric planets with ecosystems are introduced, we could also perform ecological surveys, and take samples of various life forms, from micro-organisms to flora and fauna.
If each tier of the above exploration hierarchy has a reward, you can then let explorers doing as much or as little as they are comfortable with.
Frontier could then introduce a dynamic mission generator to "plug the gaps" - i.e. Universal Cartographics can generate survey missions for other commanders to fulfil.